Tech Firms Getting Deeper Into Coronavirus Response

Tech and biotech companies are offering creative ways to assist in the battle against the deadly coronavirus.

More than 350 companies have reached out to offer suggestions for how they help assist with the fight against COVID-19, including the potential of using 3D printers to make face shields for medical workers.

Some well-known tech names are getting involved to lend their support to the effort.

“Elon Musk and Sir Richard Branson are helping the state procure additional ventilators and desperately needed PPE,” said Assemblyman Marc Berman (D-Los Altos), “but it isn’t just billion dollar companies or billionaires who are stepping up.”

Biotech has also been put on the frontlines of the response to COVID-10. Local clean energy company Bloom stepped up to say they, working with biomedical engineers at Stanford, could fix dysfunctional ventilators sent by the federal government.

“Genentech has their rapid test that is now being deployed, with over a million tests being sent around the country,” said Rep. Jackie Speier.

Clinical trials will begin soon for a Genentech drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis that shows promise in fighting pneumonia caused by COVID-19.